Quick Facts For Prelims

India Signs Major Defence Contracts

31-12-2025

Source: TH

India signed defence procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for the induction of modern infantry weapons and advanced naval torpedoes, reinforcing operational preparedness and indigenisation.

• Over 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle Carbines will be procured for the Indian Army and Navy from Bharat Forge Ltd & PLR Systems Pvt Ltd (India) to replace legacy rifles.
  • The carbines offer compact design, high rate of fire and enhanced lethality, boosting effectiveness in urban and confined-space combat.
  • This strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, MSME participation and indigenous defence manufacturing.
• Forty-eight heavyweight torpedoes will be procured from WASS Submarine Systems (Italy) for Kalvari-class (Project-75) submarines, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030, significantly strengthening India’s underwater warfare capability.
  • Kalvari-class (Project-75) submarines are India-built Scorpène-class diesel-electric attack submarines of the Indian Navy, strengthening underwater warfare, stealth surveillance, and sea-denial capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
• In FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has signed capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1.82 lakh crore, reflecting sustained focus on defence modernisation and indigenisation.

Read more: India’s Defense Modernization: Challenges and Opportunities

Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

31-12-2025

Source: TH

Israel becomes the first country to formally recognise Somaliland (not a UN-recognised state) as an independent state, with implications for regional stability, maritime security, and great power competition.

• Israel claims the recognition is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, as Israel seeks to normalise relations with non-traditional partners. 

Somaliland

• Historical Background: Previously, it was the British Somaliland Protectorate, and it formally became a British colony in 1920. Gained independence as the State of Somaliland in 1960 before voluntarily merging with Italian Somaliland to form Somalia.
  • It declared independence in 1991 after the fall of Siad Barre’s regime, following large-scale human rights abuses against the Isaaq clan, which is dominant in Somaliland.
  • Operates with de facto autonomy, having its own currency, passports, police, and capital (Hargeisa), but lacks international recognition until now.
• Strategic Location: Somaliland lies in the Horn of Africa, an East African peninsula extending into the Gulf of Aden, Somali Sea, and Guardafui Channel, comprising Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
  • The region overlooks critical global shipping routes, with the Bab el-Mandeb Strait located near Djibouti and Eritrea, linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
• Security & Military Dimensions: Somaliland presents Israel with a strategic opportunity, offering a potential forward base for intelligence, logistics, and counter-Houthi operations, as well as a possible location for resettling Palestinians. The UAE operates a military port and airstrip in Berbera (port city).

Read More: African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia

Small Finance Banks (SFBs)

31-10-2025

Source: BS

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has returned Jana Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) application for transition into a universal bank, citing non-fulfilment of eligibility criteria outlined under its 2024 guidelines for SFBs.

What is a Small Finance Bank?

• About: SFBs are private institutions created to enhance financial inclusion in India. They offer basic banking facilities, including deposits and credit, to unserved and underserved groups like small farmers, micro industries, and informal sector enterprises.
• Origin: Announced in Union Budget 2014–15 to boost financial inclusion, the idea stems from the 2009 Raghuram Rajan Committee’s A Hundred Small Steps report.
• Eligibility Criteria: Resident individuals/professionals with 10 years of experience in banking and finance.
  • NBFCs, Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and Local Area Banks (LABs) owned and controlled by residents can convert into SFBs.
  • Only resident-controlled entities can promote SFBs.
• Capital Requirements: For Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks transiting into SFBs, initial requirement of net worth shall be ₹100 crore, which will have to be increased to ₹200 crore.
  • Minimum paid-up voting equity capital / net worth requirement shall be ₹200 crore.
  • Promoter’s initial contribution: 40%, to be reduced to 26% within 12 years.
  • Foreign investment permitted as in other private sector banks.
• Regulatory and Prudential Norms: SFBs are full-fledged banks, unlike Payments Banks, and follow RBI’s prudential norms such as CRR and SLR maintenance.
  • Regulated under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and supervised by the RBI.
• Operational Mandates: Must allocate 75% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
  • At least 50% of loans should be of value up to Rs 25 lakh.
  • No geographical restrictions, but 25% of branches must be in unbanked rural centres.
  • Preference to banks setting up in under-banked states/districts.
• Permissible Activities: It can distribute mutual fund units, insurance, and pension products with RBI and sectoral regulator approval.
  • May become a Category II Authorised Dealer in foreign exchange.
  • Cannot establish subsidiaries for non-banking financial activities.

NISAR Satellite

31-07-2025

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, an Earth observation mission, was launched by ISRO from Sriharikota.

What are the Key Facts About NISAR Satellite? 

• About: NISAR, jointly developed by ISRO and NASA, is the first satellite mission to use dual-frequency radar (L-band and S-band) from a single platform, with advanced microwave imaging capabilities including polarimetric and interferometric data. 
• Technical Features: 
  • Dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): 
    • L-band SAR (by NASA): Penetrates forest canopy, ice, and soil, useful for biomass and deformation studies. 
    • S-band SAR (by ISRO): Better for monitoring crops, wetlands, and other surface-level features. 
  • Launch Vehicle: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) (specifically the GSLV-F16 variant), India’s largest rocket, is an expendable three-stage launch vehicle. 
    • The NISAR mission marks the first time ISRO is using a GSLV to place a satellite in sun-synchronous polar orbit. 
  • Mission Life: 5 Years. 
  • Phases: The mission includes four phases- launch, deployment, commissioning, and science operations.  
    • The deployment phase extends a 12-meter antenna 9 meters from the satellite, with commissioning in the first 90 days, followed by science operations for the rest of the mission. 
• Mission Objectives and Coverage:  The NISAR mission will provide high-resolution data every 12 days to monitor land changes across Earth.  
  • It will track ground deformation caused by earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic activity. 
  • Measure forest biomass and carbon stock by observing woody vegetation. 
  • It monitors agricultural patterns such as crop extent and growth cycles, and assesses changes in wetlands driven by seasonal and climatic variations.  
  • Study cryosphere dynamics, including glacier and sea ice melt in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. 
• Significance for India: NISAR marks as a key step in Indo-US space ties, the launch reflects India’s rise as a global science partner or ‘Vishwa Bandhu’. 
  • It supports disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring. 
  • Furthermore, India has joined the Artemis Accords and collaborated with NASA on human spaceflight, marking a deeper partnership in space exploration. 

What is a Radar Band? 

• About: Electromagnetic radiation with frequencies between about 10 kHz and 100 GHz are referred to as radio frequencies (RF).  
  • The RFs are divided into groups that have similar characteristics, called "bands," such as "S-band," "L-band," etc.  
• Common Radar Bands:  

 

• Significance:  
  • Lower frequency bands (L, S) can penetrate through rain, clouds, vegetation useful for mapping and Earth observation. 
  • Higher frequency bands (X, Q, V, W) give sharper images and better resolution, but are more affected by weather and atmospheric conditions. 

Rashtra Prerna Sthal

30-12-2025

Source: TH

The Prime Minister (PM) inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, dedicating it to the ideals of unity, self-respect, and service.

• Multi-Leader Tribute: The site honors Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee with 65-feet bronze statues and a lotus-shaped museum.
• Atal Bihari Vajpayee: He served as India’s PM 3 times—in 1996, 1998–1999, and 1999–2004—and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan (1994) and the Bharat Ratna (2015). His birth anniversary (25th December) is observed as Good Governance Day.
• Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay: He was an Indian politician and ideologue of  RSS  and Bharatiya Jana Sangh, focused on Antyodaya—uplifting the most disadvantaged. His philosophy of Integral Humanism emphasized social justice and self-reliance, and his birth anniversary (25th September) is observed as Antyodaya Diwas.
• Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee: He was an Indian politician, the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University (1934), and founder of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh (1951), which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party. He famously opposed Article 370, arguing one nation cannot have two constitutions, two heads, or two flags, and was known for his sharp parliamentary debates, earning the title The Lion of Parliament.

Read More: Good Governance Day

Australia to Eliminate Tariffs on 100% of Indian Exports

30-12-2025

Source: TH

Under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) Australia will provide duty-free access to 100% of Indian exports from 1 January 2026, marking a major milestone in bilateral trade relations. 

• The ECTA, operational since December 2022, was an early-harvest deal, while negotiations for a broader  India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) are currently underway.
• Impact: Over three years, ECTA has delivered sustained export growth, wider market access, and stronger supply-chain resilience, benefiting exporters, MSMEs, farmers, and workers.
• Growth: India’s exports to Australia rose by 8% in 2024–25, improving the trade balance, with strong gains across manufacturing, chemicals, textiles, plastics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, and gems & jewellery.
• Boost to Agriculture: Agri-exports witnessed broad-based expansion with sharp rise in fruits & vegetables, marine products, spices, and exceptional growth in coffee exports.
• Support to Labour-Intensive Sectors: Full tariff removal is expected to unlock opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, and labour-intensive industries, enhancing employment and income generation.
• Significance: ECTA has strengthened supply-chain resilience, market diversification, and India’s Indo-Pacific economic integration.

Read more: Ind-Aus Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement

Indi and Puliyankudi Limes

30-10-2025

Source: PIB

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime (Karnataka) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to the United Kingdom.

• This shipment marks a key step in APEDA’s push to boost global recognition of India’s GI-tagged produce, benefiting farmers and strengthening market linkages.

Indi Lime (Vijayapura)

• About: The Indi Lime is the 2nd lime variety after the Assam Lime to receive the prestigious GI recognition. It got the GI tag in 2023.
• Production Hub: Grown mainly in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, it is prized for its quality, zesty aroma, high juice yield, and culinary and medicinal value, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.
  • Vijayapura district contributes nearly 58% of Karnataka’s total lime production. Karnataka itself ranks 4th among Indian states in lime cultivation.          

Puliyankudi Lime

• About: Puliyankudi Lime (from Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu), also called Kadayam variety, features thin peel, strong acidity, and high vitamin C content with about 55% juice yield.
• GI Tag: The Puliyankudi Lime received its GI tag in April 2025, recognizing its distinct nutritional and regional attributes.

Read More: India's Geographical Indication Landscape

Samudrayaan Project

30-08-2025

Source: IE

Why in News? 

Two Indian aquanauts dived into the Atlantic Ocean aboard France’s submersible Nautile as part of preparations for the Samudrayaan Project.

What is the Samudrayaan Project?

• About: Samudrayaan is India’s first human deep-sea mission. It is a key component of the Deep Ocean Mission. 
  • The project aims to send three humans in a manned submersible (Matsya-6000) to a depth of 6,000 metres in the ocean by 2027.
  • It will strengthen India’s strategic position by joining the select group of countries (US, Russia, China, Japan, France) with manned deep-sea capability.
• Key Objectives: Develop technologies for deep-sea mining, submersibles, and ocean robotics. 

  • Conduct surveys for mineral deposits, especially polymetallic nodules (containing iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, rare earths).

• Matsya-6000: It is India's first self-propelled manned submersible. It is made of titanium-alloy in a spherical shape and can carry three aquanauts for 12 hours, with the capability to sustain them for up to 96 hours in emergencies.

  • It is expected to withstand an external pressure up to 600bar under low temperature conditions of -3°C.
  • It is equipped with life-support, acoustic communication, Li-Po batteries, drop-weight escape, and bio-vests for crew health monitoring.

  • The development of MATSYA 6000 is a collaboration between the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of ISRO.

CDS Released 3 Joint Doctrines for Armed Forces

30-08-2025

Source: HT

Chief of Defence Staff released 3 joint doctrines for armed forces to enhance integration, interoperability, and operational effectiveness across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.

• Joint Doctrine for Special Forces Operations: Aims to ensure interoperability of Para Special Forces (Army), Marine Commandos (MARCOS) (Navy), and Garud Commando Force (IAF). 
  • Recommends Joint Service Training Institutes (JsSTIs) as Centres of Excellence.
  • It focuses on advanced joint training for night operations, adverse weather missions, electronic warfare, and precision-guided munition support.
• Joint Doctrine for Airborne and Heliborne Operations: Stresses on integration of advanced technology, joint services training, and tactical synergy.
  • Ensures readiness from peacetime engagements to high-intensity conflicts.
• Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Doctrine: It covers integration across land, sea, air, space, cyber, and cognitive domains. Aims to empower decision-making and enhance battlefield responsiveness.

Chief of Defence Staff

• The CDS is the highest-ranking military officer in India, serving as the principal principal military advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters and heading the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). 
  • The position was created to enhance jointness and coordination among the three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• CDS is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and a member of the Defence Acquisition Council.

Read more:  Inter-Services Organisations Rules 2025

USD 125.8 billion by 2032

30-08-2025

Source: PIB

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched Project Aarohan to support the education of children of toll plaza employees.

Project Aarohan

• About: It is a scholarship and mentorship initiative in partnership with Vertis Infrastructure Trust, implemented by SMEC Trust’s Bharat Cares, aimed at children from economically weaker sections.
• Objectives: To eliminate financial barriers, ensure equal access to quality education, and nurture talent, thereby bridging socio-economic disparities.
• Key Features: Supports 500 students from Class 11 to undergraduate level with an annual scholarship of Rs 12,000, and 50 postgraduate students with Rs 50,000 each.
  • It provides mentorship, skill development, and career guidance. 
  • It gives priority to girls, first-generation learners, and students from economically weaker sections (EWS), SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities.
• Significance: 
  • Promotes Educational Equity: Provides financial support and mentorship to children of toll plaza employees from EWS, ensuring access to quality education.
  • Fosters Inclusive Growth: Prioritizes girls, first-generation learners, and students from marginalized communities (SC, ST, OBC, minorities), helping bridge socio-economic disparities.
  • Develops Human Capital: Enhances career opportunities, skill development, talent nurturing, employment & entrepreneurship, contributing to nation-building.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

• NHAI was established under the NHAI Act, 1988 to oversee the development, maintenance, and management of national highways.
• National highways span 132,499 km, carrying 40% of India’s road traffic while accounting for only 2% of the road network.

Read More: National Highways Authority of India

India Hosts 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave

30-07-2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

India hosted the 2^nd BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam, to strengthen maritime connectivity, and sustainable development in the region.

What are the Key Outcomes of 2nd BIMSTEC Ports Conclave? 

• Push to Implement AMTC: Member countries were urged to ratify and implement the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation (AMTC), signed during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit (2025, Bangkok). 
  • The AMTC aims to boost port-led growth, enhance maritime trade and tourism, and promote skill development across BIMSTEC nations. 
• Kaladan Corridor: The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) was recognized as a strategic corridor linking India’s Northeast with the Bay of Bengal, central to India’s Act East and Neighbourhood First policies. 
  • The KMTTP, jointly developed by India and Myanmar, enables efficient cargo movement from India’s eastern ports to the Northeast via Myanmar.  
    • It includes a waterway on Myanmar’s Kaladan River from Sittwe to Paletwa, and a road from Paletwa to Zorinpui on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram. 
    • KMTTP helps bypass the narrow Siliguri Corridor (or “Chicken’s Neck”), reducing transport costs and time. 
• BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre (Mumbai): It will be launched under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT), which will lead efforts in policy harmonisation, green transition, and digital innovation in the maritime sector. 
• Cruise Tourism Potential: Conclave emphasised eco-sensitive cruise routes, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) led cruise terminals to position the Bay of Bengal as a premier sustainable tourism corridor. 

What is BIMSTEC? 

• About: BIMSTEC is a regional organization established on 6th June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.  
• Purpose: Promote economic and technical cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries. 
• Evolution: Originally started as BIST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation), the grouping became BIMST-EC after Myanmar joined in 1997. It was renamed BIMSTEC in 2004 following the inclusion of Nepal and Bhutan. 
  • At the 3rd BIMSTEC Summit in 2014, the BIMSTEC Secretariat was established in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 
• Sectors of Cooperation: Initially six (trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism, and fisheries). In 2008, it expanded to include agriculture, public health, counter-terrorism, environment, and climate change.  
  • To improve coordination, the sectors were reorganized in 2021, with each member state taking the lead in specific areas. 
  • India leads the Security pillar in BIMSTEC, covering counter-terrorism, transnational crime, disaster management, and energy. 

CRISPR Technology for Climate-Resilient Crops

30-06-2025

Source: PIB 

Scientists from the Bose Institute, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel CR-9ISPR-dCas9-based molecular tool that enhances plant resistance to heat stress and pathogen attacks. 

CRISPR-dCas9-Based Molecular Tool 

• CRISPR-dCas9:  It is a modified version of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool. In this version, the Cas9 protein is made inactive, meaning it can no longer cut DNA. However, it still uses a guide RNA (gRNA) to find and attach to specific DNA sequences. 
  • While regular CRISPR-Cas9 works by cutting DNA to make changes in the gene, CRISPR-dCas9 does not cut the DNA. Instead, it acts like a gene switch by turning specific genes on or off without changing the DNA itself. 
  • This makes it useful for safely controlling when certain genes, like stress-response genes in plants, are activated, only when needed, saving energy and improving efficiency. 
    • CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a gene-editing technology that uses the Cas9 protein and a guide RNA (gRNA) to act as genetic scissors, enabling precise cutting, removal, addition, or alteration of DNA sequences in living organisms. 
• Working Mechanism: Plants often face stress due to extreme weather or pathogen attacks, which reduces their productivity and growth. 
  • CRISPR-dCas9 helps plants respond only when under stress using a transmembrane (TM) domain from a tomato protein (NACMTF3) to keep a modified protein, dCas9, outside the nucleus under normal conditions. 
  • During stress (like heat or pathogen attack), the TM domain releases dCas9, which then enters the nucleus and activates specific defense genes. 
    • Under pathogen attack (e.g., Pseudomonas syringae), it activates CBP60g and SARD1 immune response genes, boosting immune responses, and under heat stress, it activates NAC2 and HSFA6b, improving water retention, leaf greenness, and thermotolerance. 
• Application: Tested on tomato,  potato, and tobacco, it showed the highest effectiveness in tomato plants. 

Read More: First Successful Use of Customised Base Editing

Narsapuram Crochet Lace

29-12-2025

Source: TH

The traditional crochet lace craft of Narasapur in Andhra Pradesh exports crossed ₹150 crore in the current financial year, marking a strong revival of the craft after the Covid-19 setback.

Narsapuram Crochet Lace

• Origins: Beginning in 1844, Narsapuram crochet lace withstood hardships such as the Indian Famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929, reflecting its enduring legacy.
  • By the early twentieth century, more than 2,000 women in the Godavari region were engaged in lace-making, emphasizing its cultural and social significance.
• Technique: The craft involves converting fine cotton threads into elaborate lace structures using delicate crochet needles of varying sizes.
• Methodology: Artisans employ a single crochet hook to form loops and interlocking stitches that result in intricate lace designs.
• Products: The handmade crochet industry produces garments, home furnishings, and accessories such as doilies, pillow covers, bedspreads, table linens, purses, stoles, lampshades, and wall hangings.
• Market: Narsapuram crochet lace products are exported worldwide, including to the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and France.
• Recognition – The craft has received the One District One Product award and a Geographical Indication tag, with support from the International Lace Trade Centre and the Exports Promotion Council for Handicrafts(EPCH).
  • EPCH is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles and promotes Indian handicrafts in international markets.

Read More: India's Geographical Indication Landscape

Holy City Status and Sikh Heritage

29-12-2025

Source: IE

Why in News?

Punjab has officially declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities due to their deep Sikh heritage, as each hosts one of the faith’s five Takhts. 

• This designation aims to develop these cities as key religious and cultural centers by enforcing a ban on the sale of liquor, tobacco, cigarettes, and meat within city limits to preserve their sanctity.

What is Sikhism?

• Core Tenets and Origins: Founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century in Punjab, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that evolved through ten Gurus and was influenced by Bhakti and Sufi traditions.
  • It emphasizes devotion to one God, ethical living (Seva), and equality.
  • Sikhs form the Khalsa, established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, who adhere to a code of conduct and wear the Five Ks (Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kachera, Kirpan).
• Sacred Texts and Key Institutions: The primary scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib (written in Gurmukhi), considered the eternal Guru. The Dasam Granth is a supplementary text.
  • The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship and community service, open to all.
  • The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the apex elected body managing major Gurdwaras.
  • The Khalsa Panth is the collective body of the Sikh community.
• Five Takhts (Seats of Authority): The 5 Takhts guide Sikh religious and temporal affairs.
  • Akal Takht (Amritsar, Punjab): The supreme seat, established by Guru Hargobind Singh in 1606, symbolizing the union of temporal (Miri) and spiritual (Piri) authority.
  • Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib, Punjab): Site where Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa.
  • Takht Sri Patna Sahib (Patna, Bihar): Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh.
  • Takht Sachkhand Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra): Where Guru Gobind Singh was cremated.
  • Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo, Punjab): Where Guru Gobind Singh finalized the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Historical Reform Movement: The Gurdwara Reform (Akali) Movement (1920) sought to free Sikh shrines from corrupt mahants.
  • It led to the formation of the SGPC (1920) and the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, granting Sikhs legal control over their Gurdwaras.

Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025

29-11-2025

Source: PIB 

The Ministry of Jal Shakti will host the Vision for Sujalam Bharat Summit 2025 in New Delhi, marking a major national effort to create a unified and practical water security framework. 

• Origin: It was conceived in line with the Prime Minister's vision of organising Summits that bring together Central and State officers as well as junior cadres. 
• Objective: To accelerate water sustainability in India by promoting evidence-based policy making, sectoral reforms, and cooperative federalism in water governance. 
• Scope: Encompasses 6 critical thematic areas: 
  • Rejuvenation of Rivers and Springs: Wetland restoration, catchment protection, and community river stewardship. 
  • Greywater Management: Circular water use, pricing models, nature-based solutions, and septage treatment. 
  • Technology-driven Water Management: AI-based monitoring, micro-irrigation, leak detection, and precision agriculture. 
  • Water Conservation: Aquifer recharge, traditional water systems, and LiFE-aligned behavioural change. 
  • Sustainable Drinking Water Supply: Climate-resilient systems, source sustainability, and community-based operations and maintenance. 
  • Community Engagement: Empowering PRIs, SHGs, and local bodies for long-term sustainability of water assets. 
• National Priorities Identified: The Ministry consolidated inputs into five national priorities: source sustainability, groundwater recharge, modern & nature-based solutions, stronger community institutions, and inter-departmental convergence. 
• Significance: It adopts a whole-of-government approach, linking policymakers and implementers to turn strategy into effective action, propelling the nation faster towards the shared goal of a truly Sujalam and Sustainable Bharat.

Read More: India's Blueprint for Clean Drinking Water

India Advances Quantum Technology

29-11-2025

Source: PIB

Why in News? 

The Union Minister of Science & Technology visited the Quantum Research Laboratories at IIT Bombay and inaugurated the Institute’s new Liquid Helium Facility, marking a major step in India’s quantum science, cryogenics, and advanced materials. 

What are the Key Advancements in India’s Quantum Research? 

• Liquid Helium Facility: It lays the foundation for indigenous dilution refrigeration units for ultra-low temperature quantum computing and boosts India’s capabilities in cryogenics, superconductivity, quantum computing, sensing, photonics, healthcare (e.g., MRI), and green energy.  
  • Quantum computing depends on dilution refrigerators at ultra-low temperatures (below –272°C), and the Liquid Helium Facility enables indigenous units, key to India’s technological self-reliance. 
  • Helium turns into liquid helium at its extremely low boiling point (-268.93°C), creating the cryogenic conditions needed for superconductivity, superfluidity, and quantum computing, crucial for quantum research. 
• QMagPI (Portable Magnetometer): QMagPI is India’s 1st portable magnetometer, measuring ultra-low nanotesla (nT) magnetic fields for defense, strategic sectors, mineral exploration, and research, making India one of the few nations with this technology. 
• Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM): India’s first indigenous QDM, developed by IIT Bombay, enables nanoscale 3D magnetic field imaging. With AI/ML integration, it advances neuroscience, materials research, and next-generation chip testing, bolstering India’s technological leadership. 
• Q-Confocal System: The Q-Confocal system, a homegrown confocal microscope, detects intracellular changes like Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), aiding early-stage cancer diagnostics. 
  • A confocal microscope is an advanced optical instrument that uses a pinhole to block out-of-focus light, producing sharp, high-resolution images with enhanced clarity and contrast. 

What is Quantum Technology? 

• About: Quantum Technology refers to advanced technologies that utilize the principles of quantum mechanics—such as superposition, entanglement, and tunneling—to perform tasks that are impossible or highly inefficient with classical technologies. 
• Core Principles: 
  • Superposition: Quantum particles (e.g., electrons or photons) can occupy multiple states at once until measured. 
  • Entanglement: Two or more quantum particles can become strongly correlated, so the state of one instantly influences the other, even across distances. 
  • Quantum Tunneling & Coherence: Particles can pass through energy barriers and maintain a stable quantum state, allowing precise computation and sensing. 
• Conventional Vs Quantum Computing: Conventional computers process information in bits, representing either 0 or 1 at a time, based on classical physics.  
  • In contrast, quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits), which follow atomic-scale quantum behavior and probabilistic principles, allowing them to perform tasks beyond the capabilities of classical, deterministic systems. 
• Applications: 
  • Pharmaceuticals: Quantum computers simulate molecular behavior and protein folding, accelerating drug development for diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 
  • Disaster Management: Quantum applications improve prediction of tsunamis, droughts, earthquakes, and floods and streamline climate change data collection. 
  • Secure Communication: Quantum satellites like China’s Micius enable ultra-secure communication, vital for military and cybersecurity. 
  • Quantum Cryptography: Provides unbreakable encryption, protecting sensitive data against future quantum computing threats. 
• National Quantum Mission: It is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Science & Technology promoting quantum research, development, and applications from 2023–24 to 2030–31. 

Tewary Commission Report on Nellie Massacre

29-11-2025

Source: IE

The 1983 Nellie Massacre, during the Assam Agitation (1979–1985), has returned to public focus after the Assam government released the Tewary Commission Report, shedding new light on the tragedy. 

• The commission found that the tragedy was avoidable, but delayed action, ignored intelligence, and poor coordination allowed the violence to spiral out of control.

Assam Agitation (Assam Movement)

• About: The Assam Agitation, driven by fears of losing indigenous Assamese cultural, linguistic, and political identity, focused on identifying and expelling illegal immigrants, mainly from Bangladesh. 
  • It was led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and focused on the Three Ds: detecting immigrants who arrived after 1951, deleting their names from voter rolls, and deporting them from India. 
• Outcome: The unrest eventually led to the Assam Accord of 1985, signed by the Centre, the state government, and movement leaders. The key clauses of the Assam Accord were: 
  • It officially set 25th March, 1971, as the cut-off date for detecting illegal foreigners. 
  • Anyone who entered Assam between 1st January, 1966, and 24th March, 1971, would be detected as a foreigner and would have their name deleted from the voter list for 10 years, after which their citizenship rights would be restored. 
  • Anyone who entered on or after 25th March, 1971, would be detected and deported.

Read More: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955

Operation Sagar Bandhu

29-11-2025

Source:IE

India has initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah triggered massive floods and landslides. 

• Cyclone Ditwah is a tropical storm that rapidly formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal.  
  • The name Ditwah was contributed by Yemen, following the regional naming system for North Indian Ocean cyclones. 
• Operation Sagar Bandhu: India rushed relief using INS Vikrant, INS Udaigiri, and an IAF C-130J carrying tents, blankets, food, hygiene kits, and tarpaulins.  
  • India has consistently acted as a first responder in the Indian Ocean region, especially for Sri Lanka, extending support during the MV XPress Pearl ship-fire disaster in 2021 and providing assistance during Cyclone Roanu (2016). 
  • The mission aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, reinforcing India’s role as a reliable first responder in the Indian Ocean region. 
• India and HADR: India has positioned itself as a global first responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), delivering swift support during major international crises through missions like Operation Maitri in Nepal, Operation Samudra Maitri in Indonesia, and Operation Dost in Türkiye and Syria. 
  • Its leadership is further reinforced through bilateral and regional HADR exercises such as PANEX-21 with BIMSTEC nations and Samanvay-22 with ASEAN countries, strengthening preparedness, coordination, and regional disaster response capacity.

Read more: India-Sri Lanka Relations

Vaquita Porpoise

29-08-2025

Source: DTE

A new report has highlighted that only about 10 vaquita porpoise, the world’s rarest marine mammal, remain in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), Mexico. 

• Their numbers have plummeted due to entanglement in illegal gillnets used for catching totoaba (an endangered fish prized for its swim bladder).

Vaquita Porpoise (Phocoena sinus)

• About: The vaquita porpoise (little cow in Spanish), is the world’s most endangered marine mammal discovered in 1958.
  • Porpoises are the smallest members of the cetacean family (whales, dolphins, porpoises) and are distant relatives of dolphins, diverging around 15 million years ago. 
• Habitat: Marine, restricted to the northern Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), Mexico, mostly in shallow waters up to 50 m deep.
• Physical Characteristics: Vaquitas have dark rings around the eyes, dark patches on lips stretching to the fins. Newborns are darker with a gray fringe. 
  • Their large dorsal fin helps release body heat in warm waters.
• Behavior: Shy and usually stay near the shore. They avoid boats and are mostly solitary or in very small groups, unlike other cetaceans that travel in large pods.
• Threats: Bycatch in illegal gillnets set for the vulnerable totoaba fish.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
  • CITES: Appendix I

Read More: Vaquita Porpoise

UN Declares Famine in Gaza

29-08-2025

Source: TH

The United Nations has officially declared a famine in Gaza, marking the first famine in West Asia, with over half a million people facing extreme hunger due to conflict and restricted access to food.

• Famine: The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) defines Famine as a situation in which at least one in five households has an extreme lack of food and face starvation and destitution, resulting in extremely critical levels of acute malnutrition and death.
  • IPC Phase 5 is the highest phase of the IPC Acute Food Insecurity scale, and is attributed when an area has at least 20% of households, acute malnutrition in at least 30% of children under five, and mortality of at least two per 10,000 people daily.
• Cause: Sharp escalation of Israel-Hamas conflict, massive displacement, and severe restriction of humanitarian and commercial food supplies. 

Gaza Strip

• The Gaza Strip is a coastal territory in West Asia, approximately 41 km long and 10 km-wide territory, situated northeast of the Sinai Peninsula. 
• It borders Israel to the north and east, Egypt to the southwest, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
• The Gaza Strip remains a strategically important and densely populated enclave, central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with ongoing humanitarian, political, and security challenges.

Read more:  UNSC Resolution: Ceasefire in Gaza

PM SVANidhi 2.0

29-08-2025

Source: PIB

The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring and extension of the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, until 31st March 2030 with an aim to benefit 1.15 crore street vendors, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries.

• PM SVANidhi Scheme:  Launched by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2020. It aims to support street vendors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic by providing working capital loans to restart their businesses and promoting financial inclusion and digital transactions.
  • PM SVANidhi offers interest subsidy on timely loan repayment, cashback for digital transactions, and eligibility for enhanced next tranche of loans.
  • 'SVANidhi se Samriddhi' component under PM SVANidhi provides social security benefits to street vendors.
  • As of July 2025, over 96 lakh loans worth Rs 13,797 crore were disbursed to 68 lakh street vendors. 
  • The scheme won the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2023) for innovation and the Silver Award for Government Process Re-engineering (2022) for digital transformation.
• PM SVANidhi 2.0: Implementation of the scheme would be the joint responsibility of MoHUA and Department of Financial Services (DFS).
  • Enhanced loan amounts across first and second tranches, providing greater working capital.
  • Provides UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card for vendors who have repaid the second loan, ensuring quick access to credit for business or personal needs.
  • Expanded coverage beyond statutory towns to census towns and peri-urban areas in a graded manner.
  • ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ initiative will be strengthened further through monthly Lok Kalyan Melas to ensure beneficiaries access multiple government schemes.
  • The scheme focuses on building vendors’ capacity in entrepreneurship, digital skills, and food safety in partnership with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

Read more: PM SVANidhi Scheme

UN Charts New Path for Global AI Governance

29-08-2025

Source: DTE 

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has launched the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, marking a key step to harness AI benefits while managing its risks.

• Global Dialogue on AI Governance:  It will provide an inclusive platform within the United Nations for states and stakeholders to discuss the critical issues concerning AI facing humanity today.
• Independent International Scientific Panel on AI: It acts as a bridge between AI research and policymaking. Provides rigorous, independent scientific assessments to anticipate challenges and guide global AI regulation.
  • It will present its annual reports at the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in 2026 (Geneva) and 2027 (New York).

AI Governance in India

• India currently lacks a dedicated AI law. It is regulated through existing frameworks like the Information Technology Act of 2000 (cybercrimes, intermediary liability), Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (data privacy), and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws (AI-generated works). 
• NITI Aayog’s National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence, 2018 guides AI Research and Development in healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and mobility, while its Principles for Responsible AI (2021) address ethical AI deployment.
• India is active in global AI forums. It hosted the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in 2023, co-chaired the AI Action Summit with France in 2025, and will host the AI Impact Summit in 2026.

Read more: AI in Public Service Delivery, AI and India’s Legal Landscape

IMF Classifies India’s Exchange Rate Regime to a Crawl-Like Arrangement

28-11-2025

Source: FE

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reclassified India’s de facto exchange rate regime from a “stabilised” system to a crawl-like arrangement. 

• A crawl-like arrangement implies the exchange rate stays within a 2% band around a trend for at least six months, meaning it is not fully floating. 
  • A floating exchange rate is determined by market forces and fluctuates freely, while a fixed exchange rate is set and maintained by a government or central bank 
    • India currently uses a managed float system, where the RBI intervenes in the market to manage extreme fluctuations while allowing the market to determine the general trend. 
• The classification is based on the IMF’s Articles of Agreement and its Article IV surveillance of exchange arrangements, which assesses the currency’s actual movement and the policy commitment to a specific exchange rate path. 
  • A crawl-like arrangement differs slightly from the IMF’s “crawling peg.” While a crawling peg involves small, pre-announced adjustments based on defined indicators (such as inflation differentials), a crawl-like arrangement is classified by the IMF based on how the exchange rate actually behaves, even when no formal crawling policy has been declared. 
• IMF’s Articles of Agreement: Adopted at United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in 1944, they serve as the organization’s founding charter and have been ratified by 190 member countries, including India. 
  • They define the IMF’s purpose, governance structure, member obligations, and rules of operation, including those on Special Drawing Rights.  
  • The Articles mandate key IMF functions such as global monetary surveillance, lending to countries in need, and providing technical assistance. 

Read more: IMF Report on India's Financial System

3rd India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue

28-11-2025

Source: AIR

India’s Defence Minister co-chaired the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue with the Indonesian Defence Minister in New Delhi. The dialogue assessed regional security, addressed multilateral issues, and identified new defence cooperation avenues, highlighting the strengthening strategic commitment between India and Indonesia. 

• Key Outcomes: 
  • Indo-Pacific Cooperation: India and Indonesia reaffirmed commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, noting alignment between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.  
    • They agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime awareness, cyber resilience, and through multilateral bodies like the Indian Ocean Rim Association. 
  • Defence and Industry Collaboration: Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to set up a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to strengthen technology transfer, joint research and development, certification harmonisation, and supply-chain linkages. 
  • Military-to-Military Engagements: India and Indonesia highlighted the progress in joint exercises across land, maritime, and air forces, including Super Garuda Shield, Ex Garuda Shakti, Ex Samudra Shakti, MILAN, and upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises. 
• India-Indonesia Relations:  
  • Indonesia’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, overseeing vital sea lanes like the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits, makes it an essential partner for maritime security and regional trade flow. 
  • Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached USD 38.8 billion in 2022–23, underscoring the depth of their economic engagement. 
  • Prospects such as the USD 450 million BrahMos missile deal and expanding defence collaboration further reflect the strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two countries. 

Read More: India-Indonesia

Google’s AI C2S-Scale

28-10-2025

Source: IE

Google DeepMind’s AI model Cell2Sentence-Scale 27B (C2S-Scale) produced a new, lab-confirmed hypothesis on cancer cell behavior, marking a breakthrough in AI-driven drug discovery and biological research.

C2S-Scale Model

• About: C2S-Scale is a large language model (LLM) built on Google's Gemma-2 architecture, trained to understand gene expression as a language.
  • With 27 billion parameters, the model can capture subtle relationships among genes, cells, and tissues, reflecting AI “scaling laws”—where larger models gain emergent abilities that smaller models lack.  
• Working: It translates single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and interprets biological functions as ‘cell sentences’, learning patterns from millions of cells to understand cellular functions. 
• Breakthrough: The AI hypothesized that the drug silmitasertib could act as a conditional amplifier, making cancer cells more visible to the immune system only in the presence of low interferon.
• Significance: C2S-Scale enables in-silico (computer-based) screening at unmatched speed and scale, accelerating scientific discovery.

Google DeepMind

• About: It is an Alphabet-owned AI research lab dedicated to achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and applying it to solve complex challenges in science, healthcare, and climate change. 
• Achievements: Its notable breakthroughs include AlphaFold for protein structure prediction, AlphaGo for strategic reasoning, and the Gemini large language models.

Read More: Artificial Intelligence

Project 17A: INS Himgiri & INS Udaygiri

28-08-2025

Source: IE

Two advanced Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri have been commissioned, marking a significant step in India's naval modernization 

• Project 17A: P17A ships feature enhanced stealth capabilities compared to their predecessors P17 (Shivalik) class, with improvements in hull design and weapon systems.
  • The design incorporates ‘State of the Art’ weapons and sensors that include supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and rapid-fire Close-in Weapon Systems.
  • These multi-mission frigates are designed to operate in a ‘Blue Water’ environment, meaning they can handle both conventional and non-conventional threats within India's maritime interests.
  • An Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) is also installed to optimize the ship’s functionality and crew coordination.
• INS Himgiri: First P-17A stealth frigate built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE).
• INS Udaygiri: Second P-17A stealth frigate built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), also the 100th ship designed by Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
• Capabilities: Equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 missiles, LRSAM, torpedoes, rocket launchers, advanced radars, and Shakti Electronic Warfare Suite.
• Legacy names: Both ships revive historic names of earlier INS Udaygiri (1976) and INS Himgiri (1974), which played key roles in Operation Pawan, Operation Cactus, Operation Sahayata and others.

Read more: Project 17A Frigate Himgiri

Typhoon Kajiki

28-08-2025

Source: HT

Typhoon Kajiki struck Vietnam’s coastal provinces, resulting in extensive flooding, significant crop losses, and multiple fatalities.

• It originated over the Philippines, strengthened over the South China Sea and hit China & Vietnam, as a Category 2 storm on Saffir-Simpson (SS) Scale.
• Typhoons are tropical cyclones originating from western Pacific Ocean, particularly in Southeast Asia & China.

Vietnam

• Vietnam (capital Hanoi) is a Southeast Asian country bordered by China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, and the South China Sea to the east.
• Mekong (south) and the Red River (north) are its key rivers that flow into the South China Sea & Annamite Cordillera is a major mountain range.
• Vietnam gained independence from French colonial rule on 2 September 1945.

 

Read More: Cyclone

Integrated Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan Mission

28-08-2025

Source: TH

Why in News? 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) for the Gaganyaan mission.  

• IADT-1 aimed to validate the performance of the parachute-based deceleration system for the Crew Module (CM) of the Gaganyaan mission in a real-world scenario. 
• The test involved collaborations between ISRO, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard.

What is Gaganyaan Mission?

• Overview: India’s first human spaceflight program, aiming to send a crew of 3 astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 400 km for 3 days and return them safely to Earth.
• Mission Phases: Includes two unmanned test missions followed by the first manned mission expected to happen in early 2027.
• Significance: Gaganyaan success will place India among the elite group of nations (US, Russia, China) with human spaceflight capability.
• Crew training for Gaganyaan: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla are India’s astronauts-designated for Gaganyaan.
• Key Technologies for Crew Safety:
  • Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3): It is a modified version of ISRO's LVM3 rocket. It includes solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages, re-configured to meet human rating requirements. 
    • The rocket is capable of launching the Orbital Module to a Low Earth Orbit (400 km) and features a Crew Escape System (CES) with high burn rate solid motors to ensure crew safety during emergencies at launch or ascent.
    • CES ensures safe abort in case of emergencies during launch or ascent.
  • Orbital Module (OM): Houses the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM) with life support, avionics, and propulsion systems.
    • The CM is a habitable space with an Earth-like environment, with a pressurized inner structure and unpressurized external structure. It houses crew interfaces, life support systems, and avionics, and is designed for re-entry. 
    • The SM supports the CM in orbit, providing thermal, propulsion, power systems, avionics, and deployment mechanisms, but remains unpressurized.
• Mission Preparatory Tests:
  • Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT): Validate parachute and deceleration systems.
  • Test Vehicle Missions (TV): Test abort and launch systems.
  • Pad Abort Test (PAT): Check crew module safety from various altitudes.
  • Water Survival Test Facility (WSTF): Recovery trials with Navy support.

Financial Conditions Index

28-07-2025

Source: IE 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a daily-frequency Financial Conditions Index (FCI) to assess India’s financial market health in real-time to aid policymakers and analysts. 

• Objective: The FCI will serve as a composite indicator to measure tight or easy financial conditions relative to historical average since 2012. 
• Components: The FCI tracks 20 financial market indicators across money markets, government securities (G-Secs), corporate bonds, equities, and forex markets. 
  • Positive values of the standardised FCI indicate tighter conditions, while negative values suggest easier financial conditions. 
• Trends: During the RBI's sample period, the tightest financial conditions were recorded in July 2013 (taper tantrum, FCI at 2.826) driven by bond and forex market stress, while the easiest conditions occurred in June 2021 (post-Covid, FCI at -2.197) due to the RBI’s liquidity measures. 
  • A taper tantrum refers to a sudden spike in interest rates, triggered by investors' concerns that a central bank may begin scaling back its bond-buying program (quantitative easing). 
• Significance: This initiative highlights India’s commitment to indigenous macro-financial research and real-time policy planning.

Read More: Role of the Financial Sector in India's Development

RGI Directives on Birth Certificates

28-06-2025

Source: TH 

The Registrar General of India (under the Ministry of Home Affairs) has directed all States to ensure birth certificates are issued within 7 days of registration, preferably before discharging newborns from hospitals, especially in government facilities, which account for over 50% of institutional births in India. 

• Birth registration:  Birth registration in India has increased from 86% (2014) to over 96% (2024). 
• Legal Framework for Birth Registration: It is governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act, 1969, with no fee if done within 21 days.  
  • Legal provisions now ensure registration of adopted, orphaned, abandoned, surrendered, and surrogate children, as well as those of single parents or unmarried mothers. 
  • The 2023 amendment made digital registration mandatory and recognized electronic documents as official. 
• Governance Implications: From 1st October 2023, digital birth certificates became the sole proof of date of birth for school admissions, government jobs, marriage registrations, and issuance of driving licenses and passports. 
  • The Central Civil Registration System (CRS) portal was developed to centralize registration data that will feed into the National Population Register (NPR), ration cards, property registrations, and electoral rolls, aiming to strengthen governance. 
• Global Commitments: It aligns with United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Decade (2014–2024) goal to “Get everyone in the picture” and supports SDG Target 16.9: “By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration.”

Read More: Registration of Births and Deaths in India

Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

28-06-2025

Source: TOI 

A tigress and her four cubs were found dead in Karnataka’s Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) Wildlife Sanctuary, suspected to have been poisoned amid escalating human-wildlife conflict. 

Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary 

• About: It is located in Chamarajanagar district, southeast Karnataka, near the Tamil Nadu border, and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2013.  
  • Its topography includes mainly dry deciduous forests, along with patches of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, evergreen, and shola forests at varying altitudes. 
• Ecological Importance: It is contiguous with Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, forming a critical tiger corridor between the two states. 
  • It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, apart from a rich density of prey species. 
• Tiger Reserve Status: The proposal to upgrade MM Hills to a Tiger Reserve has been pending for nearly 15 years. If approved, Chamarajanagar will become the first district in India to host 3 tiger reserves—Bandipur, BRT, and MM Hills. 
  • Karnataka has the second-largest tiger population in India (563 tigers) after Madhya Pradesh (785 tigers). 
• Human Settlements: The region is home to two dominant communities: the Soligas, indigenous former hunter-gatherers, and the Lingayats, temple priests from Mysore engaged in temple management. 

Read More: Human-Animal Conflict

Review of Project Elephant

28-06-2025

Source: IE 

The Union Environment Ministry reviewed key initiatives under Project Elephant (1992) , highlighting the completion of Phase-I of the synchronized elephant population estimation in Northeastern states. 

• In another development, the National Board for Wildlife committee recommended the inclusion of the Sloth bear and Gharial in the Species Recovery Programme. 

Key Highlights of Project Elephant Review 

• Mortality Mitigation Measures: Railway tracks were surveyed to identify high-risk zones for mitigating elephant-train collisions, which have resulted in 73 elephant deaths between 2019 and 2024. 
• Genetic Profiling & Conservation: Created a genetic profile of captive elephants. 
• Conflict Management: Regional action plans to prevent human-elephant conflict in Southern and Northeastern India by protecting elephant corridors. 

Elephants 

• About: Elephants, India's National Heritage Animal, are matriarchal and live in female-led groups.  
  • As keystone species and ecosystem engineers, they maintain forest health by dispersing seeds and creating water access for other species. 
• Species: 
  • Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) 
  • African Elephants: 
    • Savannah Elephant (Loxodonta africana) 
    • Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) 
• Population in India: Indian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus), a subspecies of Asian elephants, account for around 60% of the global Asian elephant population. 
  • As per the 2017 census, India hosts approximately 29,964 elephants. 
  • Karnataka recorded the highest elephant population, followed by Assam and Kerala. 
  • In terms of protected areas, Sathyamangalam forest division has the highest number of elephants.  

 

• Conservation Status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered  
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I  
  • CITES: Appendix I  
• Key Initiatives: 
  • India: Project REHAB, Elephant Reserves & Corridors, Gaj Yatra,  DNA Profiling of Elephants 
  • Global: World Elephant Day, MIKE Programme 

Read More: Elephant Poaching in Tamil Nadu

Impact of Climate Change on Global Food Production

28-06-2025

Source: TH 

A study warns that every 1°C rise in global temperatures will lead to a 4% reduction in per capita calorie availability by 2100, severely impacting staple crops like wheat, rice, maize, and soybean. 

• The study differs from previous research by factoring in farmer adaptation, including the use of heat-resistant crop varieties and adjustments to sowing and watering schedules. 

Key Findings 

• Farmer adaptation through measures like heat-resistant crops and adjusted sowing/irrigation could reduce losses by 23% (2050) and 34% (2100), but losses remain severe, except for rice. 
• Between 2050–2100, wheat yields may drop by 30–40% in China, Russia, the US, and Canada, with northern India worst affected. 
• Rice may see mixed effects in India and Southeast Asia, but over 50% losses in Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, while maize and soybean face significant global declines. 
• Losses affect not only poor countries but also modern breadbaskets like the US, Europe, and China, highlighting the urgent need for innovation, cropland expansion, and climate-resilient practices.

Read More: Climate Resilient Agriculture

Indian Navy's First Training Squadron Visits Thailand

28-01-2026

Source: PIB 

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) (INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi) docked at Phuket Deep Sea Port, marking a training deployment to Southeast Asia and underscoring the growing maritime partnership between India and Thailand aimed at regional security and stability. 

• Significance:  The visit gained added importance as 2026 marked the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, reinforcing India’s Act East and maritime diplomacy, and coincided with India assuming the Chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand in February 2026. 
• Key Exercises & Engagements: The training deployment includes professional exchanges and a Passage Exercise (PASSEX).  
  • This builds on established bilateral initiatives like Ex Ayutthaya and the Indo–Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), as well as the trilateral maritime exercise SITMEX (India–Thailand–Singapore). 
• Policy Alignment: The deployment aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. 
  • It reaffirms India’s role as a responsible maritime partner committed to security, stability, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 

Read more: India-Thailand Relations

SAMPANN–UMANG Integration

28-01-2026

Source: PIB 

The SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) pension management system has been integrated with the UMANG(Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) platform to provide digital access to key pension services for telecom pensioners. 

• UMANG operates as a single unified platform under the Digital India initiative, offering Central, State, and Local government services via Android, iOS, and web. 

SAMPANN 

• About: SAMPANN is a flagship digital pension platform developed and operated by the Office of the Controller General of Communication Accounts, dedicated to pension administration and financial management. 
  • Launched nationally in December 2018, SAMPANN represents a shift from system-centric to pensioner-centric governance by eliminating the need for physical visits. 
• Key Feature: The platform digitises the entire pension lifecycle, including case processing, e-Pension Payment Order (PPO) issuance, payment disbursal, accounting, grievance redressal, and reporting. 
• Objective of Integration: The initiative aims to enhance ease of access, transparency, and seamless delivery of pension-related information through a unified digital platform.  
  • This integration ensures round-the-clock availability of essential pension information, reducing dependency on physical offices. 
• Core Services Enabled: Pensioners can now retrieve their Pension Payment Order (PPO) number and check Life Certificate (LC) validity status through the UMANG mobile app or web portal. 
• DigiLocker Linkage: The integration is supported by DigiLocker connectivity, strengthening secure digital access to pension records and official documents.

Read more: UMANG App

OMO Purchases and Dollar–Rupee Swap

27-12-2025

Source: TH 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a dual intervention comprising Open Market Operation (OMO) purchases of government securities and a Dollar-Rupee buy/sell swap auction. 

What are Open Market Operations (OMOs)? 

• Open Market Operations refer to the buying and selling of government securities by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the open market to regulate liquidity and money supply in the economy. 
  • Types: 
    • OMO Purchase: RBI buys G‑secs → injects rupee liquidity (expansionary). 
    • OMO Sale: RBI sells G‑secs → absorbs rupee liquidity (contractionary). 

What are Rupee–Dollar Swap Operations? 

• A Rupee–Dollar swap is a foreign exchange tool used by the RBI in which it exchanges US dollars for rupees with banks, with an agreement to reverse the transaction at a future date. 
• Structure: 
  • Buy/sell swap: RBI buys dollars now (gives rupees) and agrees to sell the same dollars later → injects rupee liquidity now, withdraws it at maturity. 
  • Sell/buy swap: RBI sells dollars now (absorbs rupees) and buys them back later → sucks out rupee liquidity now, re‑injects later.

Why RBI uses Both Together?

• The RBI uses both tools simultaneously because they serve different but complementary purposes in managing liquidity, interest rates, and exchange rate stability. 
  • Short-term vs durable liquidity management: OMO helps RBI fine-tune liquidity permanently, while rupee–dollar swaps provide durable but reversible liquidity for longer periods. 
  • Separation of objectives: Using swaps allows RBI to inject rupee liquidity without directly altering domestic bond yields, while OMO directly influences the government securities market. 
  • Managing forex volatility alongside liquidity: Rupee–dollar swaps help stabilise the exchange rate and optimise forex reserves, while OMO focuses purely on domestic monetary conditions. 
  • Flexibility in monetary policy transmission: Together, they give RBI greater operational flexibility to control liquidity surplus/deficit without overusing a single instrument. 
• Objectives: It aims to ease domestic liquidity, manage the inflated dollar rupee forward premium, and support the RBI's foreign exchange reserves, which have been depleted due to its recent market interventions. 
  • A forward premium means the future exchange rate is higher than the current rate, showing the market expects the rupee to weaken.  
  • A persistently high forward premium prompts importers to rush for dollars, further pushing up the premium and creating a negative sentiment loop around the rupee.  
• Forex Pressure: This action follows substantial dollar sales by the RBI (e.g.,a net USD 11.88 billion in October 2025) to arrest the rupee's fall amid pressure from factors like U.S. tariffs. 

Read More: Open Market Operations by RBI

Rabies in India

27-12-2025

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

A recent study by One Health has brought renewed attention to rabies in India, highlighting that the country alone accounts for nearly one-third of global rabies deaths, despite the disease being entirely preventable.

What are the Key Findings of the Study on Rabies in India? 

• Highest Global Burden: About 20,000 of the 59,000 rabies deaths worldwide each year occur in India, the highest for any single country. It is endemic to India. 
  • Free-roaming dogs are the main reservoir, with India recording around 20 million dog bites annually. 
• Rabies as Disease of Poverty: The majority of victims are poor, marginalised populations living in areas with large numbers of free-roaming dogs and limited access to healthcare.  
  • Deaths occur not due to lack of medical knowledge, but because of delayed treatment, incomplete vaccination, and non-availability of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). 
  • Over 20% of dog-bite victims receive no anti-rabies vaccine (ARV). Nearly half do not complete the full vaccination course, sharply increasing fatality risk. 
• Scarce of RIG: RIG is life-saving but scarce, and expensive (Rs 5,000–Rs 20,000), and often unavailable in public hospitals. 
• Children are Disproportionately Affected: Around 40% of rabies cases are in children under 15, reflecting exposure and delayed care. 
• Dog Population Control Measures: Current Catch–Neuter–Vaccinate–Release strategies have limited impact due to high annual dog population turnover (~40%). 
  • In 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed States to remove stray dogs from public institutions, triggering debate over feasibility and animal welfare. 
• Elimination is Feasible but Unmet: The study concludes that human rabies deaths are entirely preventable, and continued mortality reflects systemic failures in public health delivery, not scientific limitations.
  

What are the Key Facts About Rabies? 

• About: Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, a neurotropic virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which infects the central nervous system. 
• Global burden: Rabies is causing about 59,000 deaths annually. Around 40% of victims are children under 15. 
• Nature of the disease: Rabies is a viral, zoonotic, neglected tropical disease (NTD). 
  • It is 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear. 
• Main source of infection: Dogs cause about 99% of human rabies cases through bites and scratches. Other mammals can carry rabies, but human cases from wildlife are rare in most regions. 
• Transmission: Spread through saliva via bites, scratches, or contact with broken skin or mucosa. Human-to-human transmission has never been confirmed. 
• Prevention and Treatment: Rabies deaths are completely preventable with timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). 
  • PEP includes:  
    • Immediate wound washing with soap and water (15 minutes) 
    • A full course of rabies vaccine 
    • Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) or monoclonal antibodies for severe exposures 
• Symptoms: Incubation period usually 2–3 months (can range from one week to one year). 
  • Two forms: Furious rabies (hydrophobia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, rapid death) & Paralytic rabies (gradual paralysis, often misdiagnosed). 
  • Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. 
• Economic Impact: Global cost estimated at US$ 8.6 billion per year, including healthcare costs, lost livelihoods, and social trauma. PEP can be financially catastrophic for poor households. 
• Most Effective Control Strategy: Mass dog vaccination is the most cost-effective way to prevent human rabies. Culling free-roaming dogs is ineffective. 
• Global goal: The World Health Organization and partners aim to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 using a One Health approach that links human health, animal health, and community awareness.

India’s Iconic Bridges

27-12-2025

Source: PIB 

India has built numerous bridges that are strategic and economic lifelines, connecting regions, navigating difficult terrains, and demonstrating engineering excellence. 

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link – MTHL): Longest sea bridge in India, spanning 16.5 km over the sea and 5.5 km on land.  
• Chenab Bridge (1,315 metres): World’s highest railway arch bridge (359 metres above the Chenab River). 
  • Designed to withstand wind speeds up to 260 kmph with a 120-year lifespan, the bridge rises 35 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower and forms a key segment of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL). 
• New Pamban Bridge (2.07 km): India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, connecting Rameswaram with the mainland. It has a 72.5-metre vertical lift section, allowing ships to pass without interrupting train movement.  
• Dhola–Sadiya Bridge (Bhupen Hazarika Setu, 9.15 km): Connects Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh, providing the first permanent road link between northern Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It spans over the Lohit River, a major Brahmaputra tributary. 
• Anji Khad Bridge (725 m): India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Line. It spans the Anji River valley, situated 331 metres above the gorge.

Read More: Infrastructure Development in India

India Tops Global Doping Violations in 2024

27-12-2025

Source: TOI 

India has been named the world's worst doping offender for a 3rd straight year, with a record 260 violations in 2024 as per the WADA Annual Report 2024. 

• Rising concerns about doping arise amid India’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympic bid, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) flagging the issue during feasibility assessments. 
• Other Countries’ Rankings in 2024: France (91), Italy (85), Russia & USA (76 each), Germany (54), China (43). 

 

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) 

• About: WADA, founded in 1999 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is the global independent authority tasked with promoting and coordinating the fight against doping in sports. 
• Governance Model: Operates on a unique principle of equal partnership and funding between the global Sport Movement and Governments. 
• Core Document: The World Anti-Doping Code is its fundamental charter, designed to harmonize anti-doping rules across all sports and nations for consistent athlete standards. 
• Key Standard: It publishes the WADA Prohibited List, the international standard identifying banned substances and methods, which is updated annually. 
• Operational Scope: The Prohibited List and Code apply to all scenarios—in-competition, out-of-competition, and for specific sports. 

National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) 

• About: NADA is India's autonomous body, established in 2005, responsible for promoting and monitoring anti-doping in sports. 
• Initiatives: It implements the Anti-Doping Program and conducts initiatives like the #PlayTrue Campaign to educate athletes and promote clean competition.

Read More: World Anti-Doping Report 2022

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

27-12-2025

Source:PIB 

The Union Minister of Power, Housing & Urban Affairs inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project. 

• Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project: Approved in 2003, it is a run-of-the-river hydropower project with an installed capacity of 2000 MW, making it India’s largest hydropower project once fully commissioned.  
  • It is located at Gerukamukh on the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border and is implemented by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited. 
• Geographic Significance: The project built on the Subansiri River, the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra, is strategically important for water management, flood control, and energy security in the North-East.  
  • It will supply power to 16 beneficiary states, provide free power to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and allocate 1,000 MW to the North-East, strengthening regional power availability. 
• Dam and Flood Management: The project has a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam, the largest dam in North-East India. As the first cascaded dam on the Subansiri River, it helps reduce downstream flooding by providing a flood cushion of 442 million cubic metres.  
  • The dam has a gross reservoir storage of 1,365 million cubic metres, and one-third of this storage is kept empty during the flood season to safely absorb excess water and protect downstream areas. 
• Engineering and Technological Significance: The project features India’s heaviest hydro generator rotors, largest stators and inlet valves, and the first use of the Rotec Tower Belt system in dam concreting, marking a major advance in high-capacity hydropower engineering. 

Subansiri River 

• The Subansiri River (Chayul Chu in Tibet) is a trans-Himalayan river and the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River. 
• Originating in the Tibetan Himalayas, it enters India near Taksing in Arunachal Pradesh, flows through the Miri Hills, and joins the Brahmaputra in Assam at Jamurighat. 

Read more: Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025

27-11-2025

Source:PIB 

The 19^th edition of the India–Nepal joint military exercise, SURYAKIRAN XIX – 2025, was held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, to deepen military cooperation. 

• SURYAKIRAN: The joint exercise first started in 2011. It aims to practice Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate, crucial for peacekeeping and conflict-management missions. 
  • Training areas include Jungle Warfare, Counter-Terrorism in Mountain Terrain, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR), Medical Response, Environmental Conservation, and Integrated Ground–Aviation Operations. 
  • The 19^th edition integrates emerging technologies, such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drone-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) AI-enabled decision tools, unmanned logistics platforms, and armoured protection systems. 

India- Nepal Defence Relations 

• Military Ties: The 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, an agreement between the Gurkha chiefs of Nepal and the British Indian government, ended the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16) and paved the way for Nepali recruitment into the Indian (erstwhile British Indian) Army. 
• Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950: The Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950 granted national treatment to each other’s citizens in economic participation, property ownership, trade, residence, and movement. 

Read more: Building a Resilient India–Nepal Relationship

Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum

27-10-2025

Source: IE

The first gallery of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is expected to open by end-2026, the museum is set to become the largest in the world, replacing the existing National Museum.

Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum

• About: It is being developed by the Ministry of Culture as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project complementing initiatives like the PM Museum, National Archives Digitisation, and Cultural Mapping of India. 
  • It will be located in the North and South Block buildings of the Central Vista.
  • It is themed on 5,000 years of Indian civilization, reflecting its perennial nature. 
• Architecture and Design: Arcop Associates, led by principal architect Kulapat Yantrasast, has been chosen as the top bidder for design consultancy.
• Heritage Collection: It  will feature rare objects from galleries nationwide and the existing collection of the current National Museum. E.g.,
  • Indus Valley terracotta hourglass from Kalibangan (2500-1700 BC).
  • Gupta-period sculptures (5th century).
  • Chola bronzes (10th-11th centuries).
• International Collaboration: India and France are jointly developing the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, leveraging France’s expertise in museum design and management.

Read More: UNESCO's Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects

China’s Wildlife Diplomacy

27-10-2025

Source:  TOI

• China’s “Wildlife Diplomacy” has entered a new phase, with the loan of golden snub-nosed monkeys(Rhinopithecus roxellana) to European zoos (in France and Belgium) under a 10‑year agreement. 
  • These monkeys, unique to central China, are being positioned as new “animal ambassadors” potentially a successor to China’s famous panda diplomacy.
    • China’s long‑standing use of animals as tools of diplomacy established the precedent for wildlife‑based engagement.
  • China’s Panda Diplomacy:  It began in 1957 when China gifted pandas to the Soviet Union, later sending them to the US in 1972. 

    • Over time, this evolved into long-term leasing arrangements linked to conservation and scientific research collaborations.

    • These initiatives aim to strengthen scientific ties and enhance China’s global image through wildlife diplomacy amid geopolitical tensions.
  • Lessons for India: India as a nation rich in biodiversity, India can examine the role of iconic species (e.g., Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros) in its cultural diplomacy and conservation partnerships.

Golden Snub-nosed Monkey

• It is a primate species native to the mountainous forests of central and southwestern China. 
• Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, the golden snub-nosed monkey is known for its golden-orange fur, blue face, and thick coat adapted to cold climates. 

• It also holds deep cultural significance in Chinese art and folklore, including associations with the Monkey King from classical literature.

Read more: Malaysia's Orangutan Diplomacy

WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

27-09-2025

Source: ET

Why in News?

India is in the process of ratifying the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, positioning itself as a strong voice for sustainable fishing practices and the protection of small-scale fishers. 

• The move comes amid global efforts to curb harmful subsidies that drive overfishing and threaten marine biodiversity.

What is the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?

• About: The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a binding multilateral agreement, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and fair trade in global fisheries. 
  • It is the first WTO agreement focused on ocean governance and protecting marine resources. The agreement was adopted at WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022 , under the Geneva Package; it entered into force in September 2025 after two-thirds of WTO members deposited their acceptance instruments.
• Key Objectives: Prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing, overcapacity, and depletion of fish stocks.
  • Safeguard the livelihoods of millions dependent on fisheries for nutrition and income.
  • Provide a level playing field by disciplining subsidies that distort competition.
• Key Features:
  • Subsidy Prohibitions: Prohibits government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing of overfished stocks, and fishing on unregulated high seas.
  • Transparency Mechanism: WTO members must notify their subsidies and fishing activities for monitoring.
  • Implementation Support: The WTO Fish Fund was established to aid developing countries and  Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by providing technical support and funding.
  • Committee on Fisheries Subsidies: Provides a forum for regular dialogue, compliance review, and technical assistance.

What is India’s Stance on WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?

• Protection for Small Fishers: India seeks policy space and exemptions to safeguard livelihoods of small-scale and artisanal fishers. India advocates for precise and effective Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT), including a 25-year transition period for developing countries and LDCs, compared to 5–7 years proposed by developed nations.
• Per Capita Subsidy Basis: India proposes that subsidy disciplines be calculated per fisher, not on total subsidy amounts, highlighting the disparity between high subsidies in developed countries (USD 76,000 per fisher) versus India (USD 35 per fisher).
• Stricter Rules for Historical Subsidisers: Calls for stricter rules targeting countries that have historically given high subsidies contributing to overfishing, while protecting nations with low-impact fisheries.
• Sustainability Focus: Emphasizes that rules should not penalize nations working toward sustainable fishing and should support long-term marine conservation.

What are India’s Initiatives and Schemes to Promote Sustainable Fisheries?

• Blue Revolution Scheme (2015-16): Focused on increasing fish production and productivity through aquaculture and marine fisheries development.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, 2020): PMMSY aimed at transforming the fisheries sector by enhancing productivity, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable practices.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF, 2018-19): Provides financial support for infrastructure development in marine and inland fisheries.
• National Policy on Marine Fisheries (NPMF, 2017): Ensures sustainable marine resource management and conservation of fish stocks.
• State Specific Marine Fishing Regulation Acts (MFRA): States like Maharashtra, Kerala regulate fishing in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including fishing bans and the prohibition of destructive practices.
• ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE): Provides education and research in sustainable fish farming and aquaculture practices.

National Initiative on Water Security

27-09-2025

Source:PIB

The Union Government has launched the National Initiative on Water Security under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, prioritizing water conservation across rural India

• National Initiative on Water Security:  It aims to address depleting groundwater levels and ensure long-term rural water security. To implement this, the MGNREGA Act, 2005, was amended to make water conservation works mandatory by allocating funds, providing a statutory backing to the initiative.
  • In ‘over-exploited’ blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be used for water-related works.
  • In ‘semi-critical’ blocks, 40% of MGNREGA funds will be spent on water conservation.
  • Even in blocks without water scarcity, at least 30% of funds will go towards water-related works.
  • It shifts focus from ad hoc water works to systematic water security planning, and reflects India’s commitment to water conservation through campaigns like ‘Catch the Rain’ and ‘Amrit Sarovars’.
• Achievements of MGNREGA in Water Conservation: MGNREGA has become the world’s largest social welfare program, creating over 1.25 crore water conservation assets like farm ponds and check dams. 
  • These efforts have reduced water stress in rural areas. Under Mission Amrit Sarovar, more than 68,000 reservoirs were constructed or rejuvenated in the first phase.

Read more: Water Management: From Scarcity to Sustainability

Climate Change & Workplace Heat Stress Report

27-08-2025

Source: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a joint report, Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress, highlighting the escalating global health risks of extreme heat for workers worldwide due to climate change.

Heat- Stress Impact on Workers

• Key Findings: 
  • Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40–50°C in many regions, affecting both outdoor and indoor workers. 
  • Worker productivity drops 2–3% per degree above 20°C. Health risks including heatstroke, dehydration, kidney, and neurological disorders, which now impact half the global population, with heat stress spreading beyond equatorial regions.
  • Over 2.4 billion workers face excessive heat globally, causing 22.85 million occupational injuries annually (ILO).
• Vulnerable groups: Manual workers in agriculture, construction, and fisheries; middle-aged and older adults; low-income populations; children and elderly in developing countries.
• Recommendations: Formulate occupational heat-health policies; raise awareness among workers, employers, and health professionals; engage stakeholders in co-creating locally relevant strategies.
  • Implement practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions; leverage technology; promote research and evaluation.
  • It aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Read More: Heat Waves in India

Favipiravir Shows Promise Against Chandipura Virus (CHPV)

27-06-2025

Source: TH 

The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has identified Favipiravir as a potential therapeutic drug against Chandipura virus (CHPV). In preclinical mouse studies, it showed reduced viral load and improved survival, but the results are preliminary. Further animal model validation is required before progressing to human clinical trials. 

Chandipura Virus (CHPV) 

• About: The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a neglected arbovirus classified under the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. 
  • It is a cytoplasmic, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, known for its ability to cause rapid-onset encephalitic illness, particularly in children. 
  • It is a neurotropic virus capable of affecting the central nervous system. 
• Epidemiology and Endemicity: CHPV was first detected in 1965 in Maharashtra. Major outbreaks occurred in 2003 in Telangana (300+ cases, >50% fatality) and in 2024 in Gujarat and Maharashtra.  
  • It is now endemic to central India, especially rural and tribal areas, with outbreaks peaking during monsoon due to increased sandfly breeding. 
• Transmission and Vectors: It is transmitted primarily by Phlebotomine sandflies, including Phlebotomus papatasi, and, in some cases, by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (vectors for dengue).  
  • The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and is spread through their bites. 
• Vulnerable Population: The infection predominantly affects children under 15 years. 
• Symptoms: Early symptoms mimic influenza, such as fever, headache, and body aches. Severe cases may progress to encephalitis, causing seizures, altered mental status, respiratory distress, anaemia, and bleeding tendencies.  
  • The virus can cause rapid neurological deterioration and high fatality rates if untreated. 
• Current Treatment Status: There is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for CHPV. Management is symptomatic and supportive. 

Favipiravir 

• Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug originally developed in Japan for the treatment of influenza.  
• It functions by inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), an enzyme essential for the replication of RNA viruses.  
• As an oral drug, it has been repurposed for use against several emerging RNA viruses, including Ebola, Lassa fever, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in emergency settings.

Read More: Chandipura Virus Infection, Antiviral Drug Umifenovir

India Sends Second Astronaut to Space

27-06-2025

Source: IE 

Why in News?

India achieves a historic milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the second Indian to travel to space, after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). 

• He is part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, a commercial spaceflight to the ISS. 

What is the Axiom-4 Mission? 

• About: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is the fourth private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), operated by Axiom Space, a US-based space infrastructure company. It marks the fourth collaboration between NASA and Axiom Space, following the successful Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3 missions. 
• Crew Composition: 
  • Peggy Whitson (USA): Mission Commander and former NASA astronaut with 675+ days in space. 
  • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (India) 
  • Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland): ESA reserve astronaut. 
  • Tibor Kapu (Hungary): Payload specialist. 
• Key Objectives of Axiom-4: 
  • Commercial Space Initiatives: Promotes space tourism and private research in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), supporting Axiom Space’s goal of building the first commercial space station and transitioning operations from the ISS to private infrastructure. 
  • Scientific Research & Experiments: Enables microgravity research in materials science, biology, Earth observation, and space agriculture. Key studies include: 
    • Human factors: Impact of screen exposure in microgravity. 
    • Astrobiology: Survival of tardigrade (water bears)  in space. 
    • Space agriculture: Effects on six crop varieties (including moong dal) and cyanobacteria, relevant to life support systems. 
  • Global Collaboration: Features 60 experiments from 31 countries (including India, USA, Poland, Hungary), making it the most research-intensive Axiom mission and highlighting international cooperation in space science. 

What is the Significance of the Axiom-4 Mission for India? 

• Support for Gaganyaan:  Axiom-4 provides critical hands-on experience for India’s planned Gaganyaan mission, especially in crew operations, microgravity research, and space biology, laying the groundwork for future independent human space missions. 
• Strategic & Technological Edge: Human spaceflight is a key strategic capability for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. India’s role in Axiom-4 strengthens its position in the global space arena, supporting long-term goals like an Indian space station by 2035 and a human lunar mission by 2040. 
• Global Standing & Economic Growth: ISRO’s active partnership in mission planning and execution showcases India's technological competence and boosts its international standing.  
  • It also opens avenues for private sector participation and foreign investments, vital for expanding India’s share in the global space economy. 
• Youth Engagement and STEM Promotion: The mission inspires the youth, promotes STEM education, and helps build a skilled talent pipeline for India's expanding space sector, ensuring sustained innovation and national capacity building. 

What are the Key Facts Related to the International Space Station (ISS)? 

• About: The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest habitable artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), functioning as a unique space laboratory for scientific research and international cooperation. 
• International Collaboration: A joint venture of 15 countries, led by 5 space agencies (NASA, Roscosmos, European Space Agency, JAXA, and Canadian Space Agency). 
• Microgravity Laboratory: The ISS hosts 3,000+ experiments from 108+ countries, enabling research in science, medicine, and Earth observation. Its microgravity aids in studying human adaptation and developing Earth-relevant innovations.